We want sleek and sexy or bouncing curls and the only way to get them is with heat. Heat styling can make you look like a movie star, but at what cost?

It takes a real toll on the health of your hair. While it may look great that one night, with time it becomes dull, frizzy, and dry.

Sure, there are a ton of heat protectant products out there and many manufacturers boast safe heat settings, but the truth of the matter is that heat kills your hair.

The best protection is to avoid heat altogether. Easier said than done for many women. If you want healthy hair, though, you need to give it a break from the heat every now and then and embrace what Mother Nature gave you.

Benefits Beyond the Heat

Curling and straightening irons are important in creating those looks that give and inspire confidence. It can be a challenge to ditch your heat tools and be natural because you have relied on them to give you those magazine looks.

No matter what your hair type, it will benefit from a week of no heat styling. Even if you don’t think you can do it, you need to try. Your hair will thank you and will reward you by making sure you look great for longer.

Don’t despair during your week of no heat, as there is plenty you can do with your hair. It may come as a shock, but there are ways to style hair without heat.

Before picking a no-heat hairstyle to try, it is important to first prep your hair. The best way to do this is to go as long as you can between washes. This may seem gross, but you’re doing your hair a real favor by allowing its natural oils (sebum) to care for it.

Allowing your hair to keep its natural oils better protects it from heat styling. Use a hair mask or hydrating wash to let your hair soak all the nutrients in before you regular wash cycle.

Use cold water (as cold as you can bear) because this closes up the cuticles, locking the moisture and nutrients deep inside the hair. Your hair will already be fuller, shinier, and more vibrant—and won’t need heat at all.

No-Heat Hairstyles

To get you through your week of no heat, there are a few recommended hairstyles you should try. You’ll be so amazed at how great your hair can look without those heating tools; you may even decide not to return to them at all.

1. Braid and Twist: Part your hair and section a good chunk towards your face. Split the section in half and braid the part that is farthest towards the back. Pull the braid loops out to get a fuller look. Twist the remaining hair away from your face, then wrap the twist around the braid and secure it on the back of your head.

You will get more compliments than you expect because it looks so much more complicated than it is. Braid hairstyles are back in style.

2. The Messy Bun: More than just the hairstyle for being on the go, the messy bun is trendy and makes quite the statement. No heat is needed for this statement, and you can add bows or a bandana to really grab attention. You can even find video tutorials to help.

3. The Half-Up Bun: A new twist on an old favorite, the half-up bun is a popular style these days. Section off the crown of your hair, or as much hair as you want in the bun, and position it where you want the bun to lay.

Pull out any hair you want to frame your face before tying off your bun. Secure your bun with a tie and bobby pins and you are all set.

4. Double Dutch Braids: This easy style will look like you have your own personal stylist and requires no heat or a lot of time. Part your hair down the center and create a dutch braid down each side. Tie the braids at your neck and leave the ends loose, making sure to pancake the braids to make them thicker.

Final Thoughts

Despite what the manufacturers say, you don’t need heat to get the hair you want. You can style without heat, and, to be honest, this is the best way to care for your hair.

Give it a well-earned vacation from heat styling and go natural for a week. Your hair will look and feel great, and you will be stronger than ever for that next heat-styled session.